Every person I’ve talked to has described the job search as a form of modern torture: You spend endless hours crafting your resume, send it into the ether of the internet, then wait an interminable time for a rejection or get no response at all. If you’re lucky enough to land an interview, you spend hours researching and prepping, only to get your hopes dashed when you’re told that you were so close but someone else edged you out. No wonder the process of job search feels so painful, pointless and depressing!
“Fun” is probably not a word you would use to describe your job search. However, it is definitely possible to frame your job search in a way that is meaningful and even enjoyable. No, this is not a late April Fool’s Day joke column! Below are some ideas that will help you get your job-hunting groove back.
Get clarity on why you want to work
Ask yourself: “Why am I doing this? Who is the person I want to be on the job? What compels me to show up to work?” The answers to these questions will lead you to an understanding of your values. Keep these in mind when you do tedious tasks. They will remind you of the reasons behind each task.
Mix things up
If you’re feeling trapped at home and bored with staring at your computer screen, try mixing things up. Go to a favorite café or hangout and submit resumes while you people-watch. Here’s a bonus tip: Try striking a conversation with a friendly stranger, and telling them about your job search. You never know who has a job lead.
Pursue your hobbies
Do all the things that you love, especially if they aren’t related to your work skills. I make this recommendation for two reasons: 1) Pursuing your hobbies is good for your zest for life, and will help keep you sane during a tough time of unemployment. 2) Meeting people anywhere is good for networking. You never know where your next job lead could come from.
If you don’t have a hobby—start one! You probably didn’t have the time to start a hobby when you were working, so now is the time to indulge your creative and playful side. Have fun with cosplay, wine-tasting, country swing or whatever brings a smile to your face.
Get creative
You can make a job search fun by making it rewarding for yourself. Here are some ideas:
• Create a vision board.
• Make a dart board covered with job hunt tasks such as “Update LinkedIn,” and “Write cover letter.” Throw a dart each morning to see which task you should do.
• Create a bingo game with job search tasks instead of numbers. Reward yourself when you get a BINGO.
Figure out the mystery of job-searching
If you like puzzles or solving mysteries, engage in the job hunt in a way that hooks your problem-solving mind. The job hunt IS a puzzle which can be solved, provided you know the strategies to get you through. For example, I find it thrilling to figure out how resume scanners work so I can teach my clients how to outsmart the system.
Buddy up
Job searching by yourself is a lonely endeavor. Locate a buddy who is also looking for work. Meet weekly or as often as you can to look for jobs together. Go to networking events together. Commiserate AND have fun together.
Find your cheerleaders
Create a group of cheerleaders, advisers and supporters to encourage and support you along the way. Make the effort to check in with them every few days or so. These are the people who will remind you of your strengths and talents. They serve a critical function of shoring up your confidence so you can represent yourself in the best light in your resumes and interviews.
Become a Hollywood star
If you’ve always wanted to be an actor, here’s your chance. Have fun practicing your elevator pitch by thinking of yourself as an actor or improv artist. Tell yourself you are honing the craft of delivering your lines AND prepping for interviews at the same time.
Reward yourself
Set benchmarks for yourself and create rewards for meeting your goals. For instance, you might set a target for applying to four jobs a week. After you’ve submitted your 4th job application, treat yourself to something fun. Don’t hyperfocus on the ultimate goal of getting a job. Granted, this is the purpose of a job search. However, there are many steps to celebrate along the way.
Ultimately, your mindset will influence your job search. If you think of it as a slog, it will be a slog. If you think of it as an important activity that will help you learn and grow, it will be a growth opportunity. Hopefully, this article will help you view the job search as a meaningful activity that can even be fun!
Anne Chan is a career consultant and licensed California psychotherapist. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at an*********@***il.com © Anne Chan, 2025
